Expansion chuck



July 16, 1963 A. T. WILLIAMS 3,097,808

EXPANSION CHUCK Filed Aug. 21, 1961 H'rfhur '1: Williams INVENTOR.

1 BY ,mam/m HHgs.

3,097,808 EXPANSION CHUCK Arthur T. Williams, Camas, Wash, assignor of one-half to Charles R. Tidland, Camas, Wash. Filed Aug. 21, 1961, Ser. No. 132,765 3 Claims. (Cl. 242-682) This invention relates generally to chucks, and more particularly to a novel expansion chuck for mounting the end of a hollow roll.

In the handling of such articles as paper rolls, where the roll may comprise a core made of material such as "wood or cardboard and an elongated continuous strip of paper wound on the core, chucks are sometimes employed that are inserted into opposite ends of the roll and hold the roll. The chucks may be journaled on suitable supports, and with the chucks in place they rotatably support the roll for such operations as unwinding the paper therefrom. This invention relates to improvements in such chucks, i.e., chucks constructed to hold a hollow roll by exerting pressure radially outwardly on theinside of the roll adjacent its ends. Although the chuck of the invention is described in connection with the handling of paper rolls, it should be obvious that its use is not so strictly limited, and that the invention relates to chucks for handling any type of roll, where their purpose and function are similar.

The usual chuck has a tapered body, and this is forced endwise into the hollow center of a roll until the chuck is wedged firmly in place. There have been difficulties experienced in using such chucks, however. Rolls of paper often have considerable mass, and to assure that a roll is held with proper firmness, chucks have been driven into the ends of a roll so solidly that frequently rupturing of the core and overlying wraps of paper has occurred. Aside from the economic disadvantage involved in darnage to the paper and core, such rupturing may also affect proper centering of the roll on the chucks. Proper centering is extremely important, as a roll of paper often is rotated during handling at a relatively high speed, and has considerable mass, and without proper centering troublesome gyrations in the roll result.

A general object of this invention is to provide an improved insertable chuck :for holding the end of a roll, that is effective to hold the roll with the roll properly centered and solidly on the chuck, and to do so without exerting stresses on the roll such as are likely to cause rupturing and fracture of its core and material wound thereon.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved chuck comprising the novel combination of an expansible portion, and a slack take-up device spaced therefrom, with the two operable together with the chuck in place to hold a roll without rupturing of its end.

More specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide an insertable chuck, having mechanism for gripping -frictionally the inside of the end of a roll by expansion, with such spaced inwardly somewhat from the end of a roll with the chuck in place, and having additionally novel means for centering the roll spaced toward the end of the roll from where the roll is gripped frictionally.

Thus, a chuck of this invention features an expansible section, positioned on the chuck so that with the chuck inserted into the end of a roll and upon expansion of the section, pressure is exerted radially outwardly on the inside of the roll over an area located inwardly (from the extreme end of the roll. Because this area is located inwardly from the extreme end of the roll, there is no tendency for the roll to tear from its end in, and on expansion of the expansi'ble section, the roll is strong United States Patent enough to hold the section without rupture. Outwardly of the expansible section is a centering port-ion, in the formof a rigid, frusto-conical section, bounded by a sur--' face that flares, progressing away from the expansible' section, or outwardly toward the extreme end of the roll. This section is only a minor portion of that part of the chuck that is inserted into the roll. Adjacent the centering portion is an annular flange, that serves to limit the extent that the chuck is inserted into a roll, and thus the extent the centering portion fits Within the roll end. The elements are so proportioned that the primary function of the ifrusto-conical section is to produce centering, and pressure actually for holding the roll is primarily derived from the expansible section.

These features and objects, as well as other objects and advantages, are attained by the invention, and the same is described hereinbelow in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates, in perspective, a roll stand, of the sort that may be used for mounting a roll of paper during the unwinding of paper therefrom, such stand including opposed and spaced-apart insert-able chucks constructed according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a chuck, drawn in an enlarged scale, and with portions broken away and in section better to illustrate the chuck, the figure further illustrating how the end of a roll of paper is held on the chuck; and

FIG. 3 is an end view of the chuck illustrated in FIG. 2.

Referring now to the drawings, and with particular reference initially to FIG. 1, a paper roll stand is indicated at 10. The stand comprises a frame 12, and journaled on upstanding portions 14, 16 of the frame, an elongated, tubular mounting structure 18. Supported on mounting structure 18, and movable lengthwise thereon, are a pair of arms v20, 22. These are suitably keyed to structure 18, so that while they are movable longitudinally of the structure, they are fixed from rotation relative to structure 18.

At 26 there is indicated a motor, and such is operatively connected to the ends of a pair of threaded shafts 28, 30, so that when the motor is energized, the shifts are rotated. The ends of these shafts opposite the ends connected to motor 26 are free of any support. Shaft 28 between its ends extends through an internally threaded lower portion of arm 20, and on rotation of the shaft by the motor, arm 20 is moved longitudinally on structure 18, to the left or to the right, depending upon the direction the shaft is rotated. Shaft 30 extends between its ends through a similar internally threaded lower portion of arm 22, and rotation of shaft 30 produces movement of arm 22 longitudinally on structure 18.

The arms 20, 22 are swingable about an axis coinciding with the center of structure 18. To swing the arms from the raised position shown to a lowered position (out toward the viewer and down in FIG. 1), a ram 32 is provided, which is connected to an arm 34 fixed to one end of structure 18.

On the free end of each arm is mounted an expansible chuck, indicated generally at 40. The two chucks are in axial alignment. Each is insertable into the hollow end of a paper roll, such as the roll shown in dashed outline at 41. The chucks then may be actuated to grip the ends of the roll and hold it solidly. The chucks are secured to mountings 42, and these in turn are journaled in the free ends of arms 20, 22. A roll of paper held by the chucks is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, to permit unwinding of paper therefrom. A motor mounted on arm 22 is indicated at 44. Motor 44 is connected to the mounting 42 for arm 22, so that on energizing of the motorgthe mounting and chuck secured thereto are rotated under 3,097,808 PatentedJul 16, 1963 power. The motor enables the stand to be used in winding up paper on any empty core.

The free ends of the arms (and the opposed chucks thereon) are moved toward and away from each other, when grabbing and releasing a roll, respectively. They aremoved. up in unison when picking up a roll, and down in unisonwhen laying downa roll. 7

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2 and 3, where a single chuck is shown in more detail. The two chucks are similar, so only one of them willbe described.

As can beseen with reference to theseaforementioned figures, achuck 40 comprises a body part 50, having at oneendanannular flange or end plate 52. In flange 52 are bores 53, accommodating the screws used in securing a chuck toa mounting 42. Progressing toward the other endofthe chuck from flange 52, body part 50 is provided with a frusto-conical centering portion 54 (bounded circumferentially by a surface 54a that flares in a direction progressing axially toward flange 52), an annular surface 56 that lies perpendicularito the axis of the chuck, a cylindrical surface portion 58, another annular surface 60, and a cylindrical surface portion 62 of smaller diameter than surface portion 58. A counter bore 64 extends axially inwardly from the end of body part 50 opposite flange 52.

Mounted; on theend of body part 50 opposite flange 52, and encirclingsurface portion 62 with an edge 72 abutted against annular surface 60, is a retainer 66. The retainer is secured in place with screws 68. The outer surface 66a of the retainer, at the end of the retainer adjacent edge 72, has adiameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the smaller end (the minor diameter) of centering portion 54. At 70, thesurface of the retainer starts to taper inwardly, progressing toward the right end of the chuck. Thus, the chuck is provided with a tapered portion at the end. of the chuck opposite flange 52 (its insertable end). The butt end of the tapered portion has a diameter (the major diameter of the tapered portion) approximately equaling the minor diameter of the centering portion.

Seated in the annular space extending about the chuck and bounded by surface 56, surface portion 58, and edge 72 of the retainer, is an annular envelope 74, of flexible material such as rubber or other synthetic. The envelope is inflatable, .and upon inflation expands. Thus, the envelope constitutes an expansible section in the chuck. The envelope is keyed in place through lug portions 76 integral with side walls of the envelope, that project into accommodating bores 78 provided in retainer 66and body part 50. a

The envelope is inflated through a valve stem 80 secured to a fitting 82, connected by a conduit section 84 with the interior of envelope 74. The valve stem constitutes an inlet forthe envelope, and is accessible from the circumferential periphery of the chuck. This enables the envelope to be inflated or deflated, with the chuck inserted into the end of a roll. t

It should be noted that centering portion 54 constitutes only a minor part of that portion of the chuck that is inserted into the end of a roll core. The slope of surface 54a is quite slight, ordinarily not exceeding about 10. Also to be noted is that the outer surface of envelope 74 spans the distance between edge 72 of the retainer and the smaller end of the centering portion, and that such surface is smooth and has a diameter that equals approximately the diameter of the smaller end of the centering portion.

Describing the operation of the stand, when the stand is used in picking up a paper roll, the opposed arms 20, 22 are brought together, with the tapered ends of the chucks fitting easily into the ends of the roll. The ends initially serve to guide the chucks into position. As the chucks are advanced inwardly, the core of the roll slides over the outer surfaces of the envelopes in the chucks, and thence engages the surfaces of the centering portions.

The-principal function of the centering portions is to take up slack existing between the inside of the roll and the chucks, as the chucks are advanced into holding position. This may occur, for instance, when the extreme end of a roll reaches approximately the point indicated at X on a chuck (refer to FIG. 2). On continued movement of a chuck, the core of a roll is compressed, and at the same time the roll is shifted to a position squarely centered on the chuck. The flare of the centering portion is so slight, however, that ordinarily substantially no radial expansion of the paper on the core takes place, such as might cause rupture. The flange 52 performs the important function of limiting the inward movement of the chuck, thus limiting the extent to which the centering portion is wedged into the end of the roll.

After centering of the roll on a chuck, envelope 74 is inflated, and when inflated, it expands against the insidev of the roll core, along an area generally indicated in FIG. 2 at Y. On expansion of the envelope, a firm clamping pressure results, suflicient frictionally to hold the roll securely in place. Since the area grabbed is inwardly from the end of the roll, there is no tendency for the roll or its core to start tearing progressing inwardly from its extreme end. The outer diameter of the expanded envelope is somewhat greater than the outer diameter of the envelope uninflated, and somewhat less than the diameter of the larger end of the centering portion.

To release a roll, of course, the process is reversed. That is, air is exhausted from the envelope of each chuck, which enables the envelope to contract. If the arms mounting the chucks are then spread apart, the centering portions of the chucks move out freely.

The chuck described is ideally suited for shaftless winding and rewinding stands of the type illustrated. The construction enables'firm gripping of a roll without loss or damage to the roll core or the paper thereon. Very important, the roll is properly centered, so that even with heavy rolls rotated at high speeds, gyrational tendencies due to imbalance are substantially eliminated.

Iclaim:

1. Means for attaching to the inside and end of a hollow roll core comprising an arm, an insertable chuck for gripping the inside of the hollow roll core mounted on said arm and projecting out to one side thereof, said chuck comprising a rigid 'body including an end plate disposed with one side thereof facing said arm and a frusto-conical centering portion joined to the other side of said end plate with the larger diameter end of the centering portion next to said end plate, said end plate including a marginal portion that projects radially outwardly from said centering portion, a substantially cylindrical expansible section axially aligned with said centering portion having a diametersubstantially the same as the diameter of the smaller diameter end of said centering portion, said expansible section having stationary ends mounted on said chuck body, said expansible section having one of its said ends adjoining the smaller diameter end Ofw'Said centering portion, means for shifting said arm and the chuck thereon in a direction paralleling the axis of said centering portion whereby the chuck may be moved into a roll core with said end plate abutting the end of the core, and means for circumferentially expanding said expansible section between the stationary ends thereof.

2. -Means for attaching to the inside and end of a hollow roll core comprising an arm, an insertable chuck for gripping the inside of the hollow roll core mounted on saidarm and projecting out to one side thereof, said chuck comprising a rigid chuck body including an end plate; disposed with one side of the plate facing said arm and a frusto-conical centering portion joined to the other side of said end plate with the larger diameter end of the centering portion next to said end plate, said end plate including a marginal portion projecting radially outwardly from said centering portion, a substantially cylindrical expansible section axially aligned with said centering portion having a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the smaller diameter end of said centering portion, said expansible section having stationary ends mounted on said chuck body, said expansible section having one of its ends adjoining the smaller diameter end of said centering portion, means for shifting said arm and the chuck thereon in a direction paralleling the axis of said centering portion whereby the chuck may be inserted into a roll core with said end plate abutting the end of the roll core, means for producing circumferential expansion of said expansiblc section, and actuating means operatively connected to said means for producing circumferential expansion of said expansible section, said actuating means having an end disposed between the faces of said end plate and exposed at the outer periphery of said marginal portion.

3. Mechanism for supporting 'a hollow roll comprising an arm and means mounting the arm whereby an end thereof may be moved toward the end of a. roll, a mounting journa-led on said end of said arm, and an insertable chuck secured to said mounting, said chuck comprising a chuck body including an end plate with one face thereof positioned against said mounting and a frusto-conical centering portion joined to the other face of said end plate with the larger diameter end of said centering portion next to said end plate, said end plate including a marginal portion projecting radially outwardly from said centering portion, a substantially cylindrical expansible section aligned with said centering portion having a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the smaller diameter end of said centering portion, said expansible section having one of its ends adjoining the smaller diameter end of said centering portion, means for producing circumferential expansion of said expansible section, and actuating means operatively connected to said means for producing circumferential expansion of said expansible section, said actuating means having an end disposed between the faces of said end plate and exposed at the outer periphery of said marginal portion.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,134,475 Green Oct. 25, 1938 2,285,966 Hamilton June 9, 1942 2,499,562 Behrens Mar. 7, 1950 2,583,117 Piperoux et al. Jan. 22, 1952 2,621,867 Grettve Dec. 16, 1952 2,733,022 Grody Jan. 31, 1956 2,903,200 McDougall et al. Sept. 8, 1959 2,973,914 Beninger et \al. Mar. 7, 196 1 FOREIGN PATENTS 163,738 Australia June 29, 1955 

1. MEANS FOR ATTACHING TO THE INSIDE AND END OF A HOLLOW ROLL CORE COMPRISING AN ARM, AN INSERTABLE CHUNK FOR GRIPPING THE INSIDE OF THE HOLLOW ROLL CORE MOUNTED ON SAID ARM AND PROJECTING OUT OF ONE SIDE THEREOF, SAID CHUNK COMPRISING A RIGID BODY INCLUDING AN END PLATE DISPOSED WITH ONE SIDE THEREOF FACING SAID ARM AND A FRUSTO-CONICAL CENTERING PORTION JOINED TO THE OTHER SIDE OF SAID END PLATE WITH THE LARGER DIAMETER END OF THE CENTERING PORTION NEXT TO SAID END PLATE, SAID END PLATE INCLUDING A MARGINAL PORTION THAT PROJECTS RADIALLY OUTWARDLY FROM SAID CENTERING PORTION, A SUBSTANTIALLY CYLINDRICAL EXPANSIBLE SECTION AXIALLY ALIGNED WITH SAID CENTERING PORTION HAVING A DIAMETER SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME AS THE DIAMETER OF THE SMALLER DIAMETER END OF SAID CENTERING PORTION, SAID EXPANSIBLE SECTION HAVING STATIONARY ENDS MOUNTED ON SAID CHUNK BODY, SAID EXPANSIBLE SECTION HAVING ONE OF ITS SAID ENDS ADJOINING THE SMALLER DIAMETER END OF SAID CENTERING PORTION, MEANS FOR SHIFTING SAID ARM AND THE CHUNK THEREON IN A DIRECTION PARALLELING THE AXIS OF SAID CENTERING PORTION WHEREBY THE CHUNK MAY BE MOVED INTO A ROLL CORE WITH SAID END PLATE ABUTTING THE END OF THE CORE, AND MEANS FOR CIRCUMFERENTIALLY EXPANDING SAID EXPANSIBLE SECTION BETWEEN THE STATIONARY END THEREOF. 